Quezon City: Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Tuesday emphasized the critical responsibility of police officers in maintaining the integrity of the May 12 midterm elections. During a command conference at Camp Crame, Marbil urged every member of the PNP to remain focused and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, serving the people and protecting their right to vote freely and fairly.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP will commence the full deployment of personnel on May 8 to secure polling precincts, vital installations, and other areas of concern. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call for honest, orderly, and peaceful elections. Marbil highlighted that the PNP has been on full alert status since May 3, entering the most crucial phase of election preparations.

The PNP has announced that approximately 140,000 police personnel will be deployed nationwide to ensure the security of the elections. Marbil stated that from May 9 onwards, regional police directors would inspect their respective units to implement the Kontra-Bigay campaign, aimed at cracking down on vote-buying and other election-related violations.

Police personnel and the public, particularly candidates, were reminded by Marbil that the campaign period ends on May 10, followed by a liquor ban on May 11. On Election Day, May 12, the PNP must remain apolitical, demonstrating to the Filipino people that they can be trusted to be visible, impartial, and fully committed to ensuring a peaceful election process.

The PNP is also finalizing the deployment of logistics, transportation assets, communication equipment, and other essential resources in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and partner agencies. The PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) has deployed 716 personnel to maximize police visibility during the election period.

PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Dame Malang stated that the HPG would cooperate with local police in enforcing order and maintaining security. Malang added that the HPG would oversee security in no less than 200 areas and is prepared to assist in transporting election paraphernalia.